Print Mates unveils new smartphone connected photo printing kiosk

New kiosk tech rethinks the photo lab, allows users to instantly print photos from their smartphone, Facebook, Instagram or Google Photos account. Customers can create premium photo books, metal and wood prints and other photo gifts.

The company looks to capitalize on the reported 1.2 Trillion photos taken over the last year, thanks to smartphone technology. Before the birth of digital cameras, customers went to in-store photo labs for their printing needs. “We wanted to bring this local service offering back to retailers but without them having to manage or staff the process,” says Frank Yates, CEO of Print Mates. “We designed everything to be 100% automated, with a small footprint in order to attract retail partners.”

In addition to photo prints, the kiosk also allows users to create premium photo goods that are then shipped to the customer’s home. The product collection includes metal and wood prints, canvas products, frames and more. They’ve piloted the kiosks around San Diego for the past year and the results have been promising with the average customer returning 2-3 times monthly, on average.

Due to the success and popularity of the pilot, Print Mates will be expanding with existing and new channel partners. “Large retail chains have been contacting us with partnership opportunities. We’re very pleased with the reception,” says Yates. “Contrary to popular belief, the demand for printed photos has never been larger and the growth of Print Mates demonstrates the enormous potential.”